The automotive group Stellantis and the French nuclear energy group Orano have announced the cancellation of their project to create a joint venture focused on electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling.
Without explaining the reasons behind the split, both companies merely pointed out that the memorandum of understanding signed in October 2023 was non-binding and that, at this time, they do not consider the project viable.
At the time, the companies had stated that the aim of the joint venture was to produce cathodes — the part of the battery that generates the electric current and powers the car’s systems — using recycled materials.
In a statement, Orano confirmed that both companies are “exploring other business relationships, considering the quality of Orano’s recycling process.”
In this context, Stellantis — through Automotive Cells Company, which it partners with Mercedes-Benz and Total Energies — is already collaborating with Belgian company Umicore to recycle cell production waste at the Nersac plant in France.
The entire sector is also working to reduce the waste from fleet electrification.
Renault, for example, aims to be the first European manufacturer to recycle batteries on a large scale by creating a circular economy system that helps reduce dependency on China and generates revenue for the group.
For now, the group led by Luca de Meo admitted in April to being in talks with “specialised companies” that are already at an “advanced” stage of recycling, which could assist Renault.
However, no specific alliance in this regard has yet been announced.
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